There have been more than a few new barbeque spots pop up recently in the local area. Seems like everywhere I turn there is a smoker outside of a restaurant or roadside stand, belching flavorful aromas into the air on these hot, summer afternoons. So, while recently out running errands around Hagerstown, I decided to stop in for lunch at one of the establishments I pass by on a weekly basis – The Smokin’ Toad. The Smokin’ Toad has had…
Today I want to spend a few minutes to celebrate one of the luxuries and benefits of living in the four-state area – the local produce stand. I’m not talking about a once a week “farmer’s market” – set up in some parking lot or old warehouse building. Sure those are great, but I’m speaking now about hard working local farmers who offer up fresh and local produce on a day-to-day basis – usually right on site at their farms…
The family and I recently received a surprise invitation to join some friends at the Massanutten Resort complex, located in central Virginia. It’s a sprawling 6,000 acre, four- season resort located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley near Harrisonburg, VA, (about 140 miles southwest from Hagerstown, MD, right off of I-81). There’s something for everyone here, but today I wanted to focus on the highlight of our overnight stay, the Massanutten Water Park. The water park complex consists of…
There are many topics that can polarize a family, a town, or even a nation into opposing factions. Unlike the presidential cycle (which happens every four years), I know of a particular conflict that erupts almost every year, beginning in late May and lasting well into September. That’s right, America, I’m talking about the debate over iced tea – “sweet” vs. “unsweet”. Each side has its ardent supporters, and the fight also seems to be regionalized, based upon where one…
There are few things in life more satisfying than a hot, fresh doughnut. You know the kind I mean. You pull it out of the box or bag – it’s still warm – and the glaze is still melting into a beautiful and sweet translucent coating that covers your fingers as they sink ever slightly into that soft and delicious dough. Your nose takes in that wonderful aroma and your mouth waters in anticipation as you lift it to your…
An almost universal rite of passage for any American is the family trip to Walt Disney World. Most of us have done it – some multiple times – and more often than not, upon returning you’ll hear comments like “we had a great time, but next time I’ll definitely (insert better planning tip here).” Fear not, gentle reader, for I am here to guide you. I happily worked for “the Mouse” for sixteen years (three of those in the theme…
The return of hot, summer weather to Maryland means many things to me, but one of my favorite summer traditions is sitting down to eat some delicious Maryland Blue crabs. Pounding crabs is as Maryland as one can get. It’s more identifiable with the state than the Preakness, the Orioles, Ocean City, or National Bohemian beer (or “Natty –Boh” for those of you not in the know). Don’t get me wrong, I like all types of seafood. Mussels? Sure. Oysters? …
For most of us, I’m guessing that going to the grocery store is a weekly chore that must be done each week in order to ensure that there is food at home. You don’t hear a lot of people saying “I can’t wait until Saturday so I can see if the Bush’s Baked Beans are on sale” or any other such phrase that indicates great anticipation of a shopping trip. Listen to how we even express it – “I HAVE…
Ahhh, there’s nothing like a summer vacation with the family – and if you’re like most families in the four-state area, sooner or later you’ll be planning a trip to Florida to take on one or more of the theme parks in the Orlando area. Lucky for us we live in an area that has several airport options, including the Hagerstown Regional Airport, which offers twice weekly service to both the Sanford and Tampa area. While it is convenient to…
The news has been flooded lately with stories on the recent cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), better known as Food Stamps. Recently, a temporary boost to the SNAP program (enacted by the 2009 Recovery Act) ended, decreasing monthly assistance benefits to some 47 million Americans. 87% of these families consist of children, seniors, or people with disabilities. Following the recent cuts, a family of four eligible for the SNAP program now receives @ $632/month. That’s $5.20 per…